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#Victory81
🌟 On April 22, 1945, the Red Army liberated the prisoners of the Nazi concentration camp Sachsenhausen during #WW2.
The forces of the 1st Belorussian Front, which had been advancing towards the Reich's capital from the north during the Berlin offensive operation, drove the Nazi troops out of Oranienburg and reached Sachsenhausen, having rescued around 3'000 surviving POWs.
#Sachsenhausen was considered as one of the most terrifying Nazi 'death factories'. Over nine years of its existence, about 200'000 people of various nationalities — citizens of European countries which had suffered from Nazi aggression, including the USSR — passed through that camp. Each month, up to 150 people were brought there. By 1944, citizens of the Soviet Union and Poland made up more than 90% of all Sachsenhausen prisoners.
Sachsenhausen held the most serious political opponents of Hitler, prominent state figures from many European countries defeated by the Nazis, such as France, Czechoslovakia, Austria, and the Netherlands, including their heads of government and ministers.
◼️ According to various historical estimates, more than 100'000 prisoners were killed in Sachsenhausen over the time the camp was in operation.
From August to November 1941 alone, at least 10'000 Soviet POWs were killed in Sachsenhausen, and another 3'000 died there from starvation and from conditions that were barbaric, unprecedentedly violent, and, in fact, inhumane.
On the personal orders of Himmler and other top leaders of the Third Reich, classified operations to exterminate people were carried out in Sachsenhausen.
Nazi's military doctors carried out macabre, horrific medical experiments on Sachsenhausen prisoners, including tests with mustard gas — yprite. Test subjects were deliberately mutilated and then exposed to mustard gas. People were forced to inhale the gas, consume it in liquid form, or receive it via injection. Open wounds were intentionally inflicted on prisoners’ hands, after which the gas was applied. In most cases, the victims’ limbs swelled severely, causing excruciating pain.
When the Red Army were rapidly advancing to Sachsenhausen during the Battle of Berlin, the Nazis began hastily covering up the traces of their heinous crimes. The camp administration decided to kill all remaining prisoners — with 45'000 inmates remaining in the camp.
The Nazis killed some of the prisoners in the crematoria of Sachsenhausen, and forced the rest on a 'death march' towards the Baltic Sea where they planned to drown their victims. However, thanks to the successful and rapid advance of the Red Army, these monstrous Nazi plans were thwarted, and the surviving prisoners of Sachsenhausen were rescued.
In aftermath of #WWII, Sachsenhausen was converted into a prison for Nazi criminals, including members of the Nazi NSDAP party, SS troops, and Wehrmacht officers. In November 1947, a trial of the Sachsenhausen administration was held in Berlin.
📑 Excerpt from a report “Reactions of the German population to the trial of criminals from Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp” (Berlin, November 5, 1947; prepared by the 7th Department of the Main Political Directorate of the Red Army):
<...> The trial of the Sachsenhausen criminals elicited a significant response among the German population... In the comments about the trial, a sense of outrage at the scale of the heinous crimes committed was most often expressed.
It was noted that the Nazis' actions had covered the German people in disgrace.
“We find it incomprehensible how those people could sink lower than beasts. For us, Germans, who culturally considered ourselves almost a head above the Russians, it is a disgrace that these criminals are Germans” (Potsdam).
“The [Sachsenhausen] trial is a terrible disgrace for the German people... <...> It is inconceivable that humans could commit such atrocities. It’s a pity that in the western [occupation] zones such criminals are still walking free.”
“Nazi criminals have nailed an entire generation of Germans to the pillory.”
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a reception on the occasion of Orthodox Easter (Moscow, April 22, 2026)
💬 I am delighted to welcome the hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, members of the clergy of other traditional confessions, government officials and representatives of civil society organisations, as well as the heads of diplomatic missions accredited in Moscow at our traditional Easter gathering.
Easter Sunday symbolises the triumph of good and mercy and reminds us about the importance of mutual assistance and loving one’s neighbour. It teaches us to stand in defence of truth and fight for justice. This is something that resonates with every Russian.
President Vladimir Putin has designated 2026 as the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Our Fatherland has every right to claim the status of a civilisation state, as set forth in the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation. The President approved it in March 2023 and it remains relevant.
For centuries, our country has been home to people of various creeds and cultures.
In fact, inter-ethnic and inter-faith harmony and conciliation have been and remain the main pillars ensuring stability at home and making us stronger on the international stage.
Of course, the Russian Orthodox Church has had an instrumental role in cementing national unity. Together with its followers, it has always shared the country’s lot and served as a moral beacon for millions of believers, while inspiring people to undertake spiritual feats and helping them withstand years of hardship.
We can see what happens when political elites reject their spiritual and civilisational roots, with present-day Ukraine presenting a bitter example. The regime which seized power in Kiev is ready to sacrifice the lives of millions of ordinary Ukrainians for the sake of serving the interests of its masters in the West. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church has been persecuted for over a decade now, which included taking over churches, vandal attacks, harassing the clergy and parishioners. Judging by the official data from the Kiev junta alone, there were over 180 criminal cases involving clerics, including four archpriests.
<...>
As you know, defending the honour and dignity of our people and compatriots, including their right to use their mother tongue, the Russian language, and to belong to the Orthodox faith, are among the goals of the special military operation. It is rejoicing that even in this regard, the Russian Orthodox Church has been standing with its people in this time of hardship. Its clergy has been carrying out its pastoral duties among the fighters, while praying for peace and calm across our land. <...>
But tension and anxiety go beyond our Western border. Large-scale conflicts have been raging in the Middle East for many years now. <...> We cannot stand aside and do nothing when terrorist and radical groups engage in ethnic cleansing, killings and looting, including on religious grounds. We have already raised the issue of the substantial decline in the number of Christians living in the Middle East. Against this backdrop, efforts by the Russian Orthodox Church acquire a special meaning and importance, considering that it has been offering its effective assistance to the people of its creed there. <...>
I would like to note that the Foreign Ministry’s working group with the Russian Orthodox Church has been working and delivering results for the past 22 years. According to our estimates, this group has established itself as an effective mechanism for enabling us to work together on the key matters of shared interest on the international stage, and our colleagues from the Russian Orthodox Church share this vision. We are convinced that further strengthening this cooperation would help consolidate Russia’s international standing and promote trust, mutual understanding and neighbourly relations among various nations and peoples.
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🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement at a joint news conference following talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity of Libya Taher Al-Baour (Moscow, April 21, 2026)
💬 Substantive talks have been held with the delegation of the Government of National Unity of Libya headed by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Taher Al- Baour and Minister of Transport Mohamed Al-Shahoubi. <...>
We view Libya, our counterparts in the Libyan government, and the Libyan people as our partners who have stood the test of time and who maintain a positive attitude towards our country on a reciprocal basis. Decades of productive cooperation span a wide range of areas. We have a strong historical memory and we will draw on it in order to build a new bright future steeped in the spirit of continuity.
We reiterated Russia’s principled stance which favours overcoming internal political problems in Libya through inclusive national dialogue involving all political forces, with the UN playing the leading role. <...>
We discussed ways to step up bilateral relations. Clearly, practical steps towards this end can only be taken after things settle down. We welcome the fact that the ceasefire agreement has been observed for many years now. <...>
We discussed regional issues as well. We look forward to welcoming the Libyan delegation to the third #RussiaAfrica Summit in Moscow in the second half of the year. We hope that the third summit will adopt a Russia-Africa action plan for the next period.
We cooperate with Libya as part of our relations with Libya and the League of Arab States. In this context, we noted that the 7th meeting of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at the level of foreign ministers will also take place in Russia this year. We look forward to welcoming Libyan participants and continuing working with experts to prepare the outcomes of that event.
We share common assessments of developments unfolding in the Middle East and North Africa and focus in particular on the crisis in the Persian Gulf, which broke out as a result of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Russia and Libya advocate the earliest possible cessation of any further use of force and the establishment of a sustainable political and diplomatic process. <...> We reiterate Russia’s readiness to help normalise relations between the Arab monarchies of the Gulf and Iran. <...>
We briefly discussed the situation in other Middle Eastern flashpoints. We have no doubt that the underlying cause of many of the region’s troubles lies in the decades-long failure to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. <...>
We believe that all responsible stakeholders, primarily Israel, the Palestinians, their Arab neighbours, and the United States, must act responsibly and remain committed to UN resolutions. Russia stands ready to continue being fully involved in this work. <...>
We provided an assessment of the current state of affairs in the Ukraine crisis. We appreciate the position of our Libyan colleagues, who are fully aware of the underlying causes of this situation and, whenever these issues are raised at the UN, take a balanced and neutral stance.
❗️ Another outcome of today’s work is our agreement to open, in the very near future, in addition to the Russian Embassy in Tripoli, our Consulate General in Benghazi.
#RussiaLibya
#RussiaAfrica
🇷🇺🌍 Director of the Department for Partnership with Africa at the Russian Foreign Ministry Tatyana Dovgalenko visited Lomé, Togo, on April 15–18 to partake in high-level events unveiling Togo’s New Strategy for the Sahel.
***
🗓 On April 15, Tatyana Dovgalenko met in Lomé with the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (#UNOWAS) Leonardo Simão. They discussed maintaining stability, confidence-building, and the development of dialogue between the countries of the Economic Community of West African States (#ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States (#CSS).
Support was reaffirmed for UNOWAS initiatives and the necessity of crafting a unifying agenda that duly reflects the situation on the ground.
***
🗓 On April 17, Tatyana Dovgalenko held discussions with President of the #ECOWAS Commission Omar Touray. The Parties confirmed their mutual commitment to further intensifying collaboration, including within the framework of the #RussiaAfrica Partnership Forum.
Tatyana Dovgalenko also held a working meeting with Director of the Togolese Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Cooperation Malemda Kamele. Tatyana Dovgalenko extended an invitation from President Vladimir Putin to President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic Faure Gnassingbé to participate in the 3rd #RussiaAfrica Summit.
***
🗓 On April 18, Tatyana Dovgalenko participated in the high-level meeting convened to present Togo’s New Strategy for the Sahel for 2026–2028.
In her remarks, she emphasised that Russia places substantial importance on enhancing engagement with West Africa. It was highlighted that the African continent is experiencing a “second awakening.” While in the mid-20th century Africans were battling for political independence, today they are pursuing comprehensive sovereignty.
She noted the imperative to uphold the principle of African solutions to African problems and expressed support for dialogue among the Sahelian countries, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States.
***
🗓 On April 19, Tatyana Dovgalenko met with Karamoko Jean-Marie Traore, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso, Yaou Sangaré Bakary, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, and Mahamane Maiga, Ambassador-at-Large of the Malian Foreign Ministry and Coordinator of the National Committee of the CSS.
The Parties compared their views on the development of the dialogue, with an emphasis on preparations for #RussiaCSS ministerial consultations.
A meeting also took place with Mamadou Tangara, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission and Head of the African Union Mission in Mali and the Sahel.
⚡️ By efforts of the Russian Africa Corps on the territory of the Republic of Mali, as a result of a special operation, the employees of a Russian geological exploration company who had been captured in July 2024 in Niger by the terrorist group 'Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin' have been released: citizen of the Russian Federation, Oleg Gret, born in 1962, and citizen of Ukraine, Yuri Yurov, born in 1970.
As a result of a medical check-up by Russian doctors at the Africa Corps hospital, it was found that they have numerous diseases and severe physical exhaustion.
The hostages liberated by servicemen of the Russian Africa Corps will be transported by an aircraft of the Cargo Aviation of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation to Moscow for treatment and rehabilitation.
The Russian company’s leadership expressed gratitude to the servicemen of the Africa Corps and the Russian Defence Ministry for releasing its employees.
🔹 Russian Defence Ministry
🇷🇺🇸🇸 The Ambassador of Russia to South Sudan, A.Kosmodemiyanskiy, met with the Minister of Presidential Affairs of South Sudan, Africano Mande Gedima.
🔸 During the friendly and constructive discussion, current issues of bilateral relations were addressed.
🔸 A.Kosmodemiyanskiy handed over to the Minister a copy of the personal invitation from the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, to the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, to attend the Third Russia-Africa Summit, which will take place in Moscow in October this year.
🔸 Following the meeting, the parties agreed to expand political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries, as well as to arrange training in Russia for staff of the National Elections Commission of South Sudan in preparation for the upcoming presidential elections in December this year.
#Africa #Russia #SouthSudan
🕯 April 19 marked, for the first time, the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide of the Soviet People committed by the Nazis and their accomplices during the Great Patriotic War.
The National Center for Historical Memory under the President of the Russian Federation has prepared an online exhibition, “No Statute of Limitations: The Genocide of the Soviet People.”
Before launching their war against the USSR, the Nazis devised sweeping plans to dismantle Soviet statehood, colonize its territories, seize its resources, and exterminate and enslave the population.
The occupiers developed the Generalplan Ost, which envisaged the deportation and destruction of 50 million people in the USSR; the enslavement of 14 million; and the forced Germanization of 1 million.
They also planned to starve the population through the so-called Hunger Plan (Backe Plan), aimed at extracting as much food as possible for Germany while drastically restricting rations for Soviet citizens.
📑 From the Directive on the Administration of the Economy in the Occupied “Eastern Territories” (June 1941):
“It is necessary <…> to organize the exploitation of natural resources (oil, coal, ores, etc.) in the interests of the German war economy <…>”
Embassy of Russia in Lebanon:
🇷🇺🇱🇧 On April 21, Russia's EMERCOM special flight delivered 28 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Beirut, including mobile power stations, tents, canned food, grains and oil.
The ceremony was attended by Russian Ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Rudakov, Embassy diplomats and the EMERCOM team delegated for the mission. The Lebanese Side was represented by Civil Defense Director General at the Interior Ministry Imad Khreich, as well as officials from other relevant ministries and agencies.
Imad Khreich expressed sincere gratitude to Russia for supporting the Lebanese people during this difficult period and highlighted Russia’s traditionally consistent and friendly position.
💬 For his part, Ambassador Alexander Rudakov noted:
“Lebanon is, sadly, once again suffering from the devastating consequences of armed conflict.
The Russian authorities did not remain indifferent and responded to the humanitarian request of friendly Lebanon”.
🎙 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's statement on the ceremony marking the joining of the bridge spans of the future road bridge on the border between Russia and the DPRK (April 21, 2026)
💬 On April 21, a ceremony was held at the border between the Russian Federation (Khasan settlement, Primorsky Territory) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea to mark the joining of the bridge spans of the future road bridge connecting the two countries.
In accordance with the agreement on the construction of a road bridge across the border river Tumannaya, signed on the sidelines of the Pyongyang Summit in June 2024, the joint implementation of this ambitious project has begun.
On April 30, 2025, a ceremony marking the start of construction was held via video link with the participation of Prime Minister of Russia Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the DPRK Pak Thae-song.
Completion of the works is scheduled for the summer of 2026.
🤝 The Russian Side attaches particular importance to this project, the implementation of which will mark a truly significant milestone in Russia-Korea relations. Its importance extends far beyond the purely engineering dimension. The new bridge symbolizes the shared commitment of the two countries to strengthening friendly, good-neighbourly ties and expanding interregional cooperation.
We are confident that this joint project will provide a solid foundation for closer cooperation, serve as a route to open and productive dialogue, bring our peoples closer together, and promote more frequent travel, meetings and exchanges.
We expect that this new transport artery, enabling year-round road traffic, will contribute to improved transport connectivity overall and, as a result, to the further development of trade, economic and humanitarian exchanges between Russia’s Far Eastern regions and the DPRK.
🇷🇺🇰🇵 #RussiaDPRK
🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity of Libya Taher al-Baour hold a joint news conference following talks in Moscow
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Government of the Russian Federation:
🇷🇺🇺🇿 On April 20, Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov paid a working visit to Uzbekistan.
Denis Manturov was received by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The meeting was also attended by heads of Russian regions and companies.
The Sides held a substantive discussion on prospects for expanding cooperation in mechanical engineering, the chemical, mining, oil and gas industries, as well as energy. Denis Manturov conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from President of Russia Vladimir Putin to the Leader of Uzbekistan.
Denis Manturov noted the broad agenda of the talks and thanked Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his special attention to all joint projects and for keeping them under personal oversight. He added that businesses in both countries are interested in setting up joint production facilities: Uzbekistan is already establishing its fifth industrial park with the participation of Russian companies.
“Today, we have once again seen that the model personally initiated by President of Uzbekistan – namely, closer cooperation between the regions of our countries – is yielding substantial results.
When Uzbekistan’s hokimiyats and Russia's regions maintain regular interaction and communication, businesses create the foundation for setting up assembly facilities here that generate added value for core production based in Russia.
Uzbekistan’s geographic location means that such projects are aimed not only at supplying the Uzbek market. It also offers excellent logistics for exports to neighbouring countries, whose markets are likewise developing. We count on the support of the Republic’s leadership for the projects currently on the bilateral agenda”.
- Denis Manturov
Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs:
🇷🇺🇰🇵 On April 20, Russia’s Minister of Internal Affairs, General of Police Vladimir Kolokoltsev has arrived in Pyongyang.
The Head of Russia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs is set to hold a number of working meetings, including with his counterpart – DPRK Minister of Public Security Pang Tu-sop. The Sides will discuss bilateral cooperation in the field of law enforcement.
A number of commemorative events are also planned.
#RussiaDPRK
📆 On April 20, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Ambassador of Mexico to Russia, Eduardo Villegas Megías. During the meeting, the Ambassador provided an account of an investigative interview with Russian national Kristina Romanova, a minor, which took place on April 17 in the presence of consular staff from the Russian Embassy in Mexico City. In the course of that interview, Kristina expressed her wish to remain in Mexico.
The Russian Side pointed out to the Ambassador that Mexico has obligations under the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations and the 1978 Bilateral Consular Convention to ensure unimpeded communication between authorised representatives of the Russian state and its citizens – an obligation that was not met in this instance.
The Russian Side also noted that Kristina Romanova’s expressed and written wishes place an added responsibility on our Mexican partners for the safety and well-being of this Russian citizen, both before and after she reaches the age of majority on May 15, 2026.
☝️ The Russian side emphasised that it will continue to monitor the situation of our compatriot, together with Russian human rights and public organisations, to the fullest extent possible, in order to ensure that the Mexican side fully respects all of her rights.
🇷🇺🇮🇷📞 On April 20, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Foreign Minister of Iran Abbas Araghchi had a telephone conversation.
Abbas Araghchi informed Sergey Lavrov of Iran’s position regarding the US violations of the ceasefire, including the illegal naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and the seizure of an Iranian container ship.
☝️ The Russian Side once again stressed the need to preserve the truce, which must be upheld within the parameters originally agreed and announced by the Pakistani mediators. The importance of continuing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing the situation from spiralling out of control and averting a renewed armed confrontation was also underscored.
Russia reaffirmed its readiness to facilitate mutually acceptable arrangements between Iran and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf.
The Iranian Side confirmed its readiness to do everything in its power to ensure the unimpeded passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the waterway.
#RussiaIran
🎙 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks during the 9th Ministerial Meeting of Russia and Central Asia (Moscow, April 17, 2026)
💬 Sergey Lavrov: I am pleased to welcome you to Moscow. We began our joint work yesterday at the CIS Foreign Ministers Council, and today we are holding the ninth meeting of Foreign Ministers of Russia and Central Asia. This in itself underscores the relevance of this six-party dialogue mechanism. In our view, it is developing successfully and dynamically, to the benefit of all participants.
In October 2025, the Second Russia – Central Asia Summit was held in the welcoming city of Dushanbe. During the summit, our leaders approved a Joint Action Plan for 2025-2027 and put forward a number of important initiatives. Our task now is to translate these decisions into concrete steps. The Action Plan serves as a framework document, outlining the key areas of our cooperation: trade, economic and investment ties, transport, energy, healthcare, environmental protection, security, cultural and humanitarian engagement, and migration.
Specific projects and initiatives are currently being developed within the six-party working groups established by the relevant agencies of Russia and your countries. As we noted today during the #CIS meeting, our relations are grounded in equality, mutual respect, and careful consideration of each other’s interests. They truly deserve the highest recognition as an example of a modern and forward-looking model of international partnership.
Our leaders maintain close and regular communication, both bilaterally and within integration frameworks such as the #CIS, the #EAEU, the #CSTO, and the #SCO. Active contacts are also sustained among heads of government, deputy prime ministers, and the leadership of parliaments, ministries, and agencies.
Despite the current geopolitical turbulence – which we examined in detail during today’s CIS meetings – we have succeeded in maintaining a consistently high level of trade turnover. In 2025, it continued to grow, approaching the $50 billion mark.
As I have already noted, cultural and humanitarian cooperation continues to develop. Through our joint efforts, and at the initiative of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the International Organisation of the Russian Language was established. The Russian language remains a key means of communication not only between Russia and the Central Asian states, but also among the peoples of the broader post-Soviet space. Our approaches to international issues are closely aligned and, in most cases, coincide.
We greatly appreciate that, despite unprecedented external pressure, the Central Asian countries remain committed to their allied obligations, thereby contributing to the dynamic development of our friendly and mutually beneficial relations, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks, including the Russia – Central Asia mechanism.
I hope that today we will be able to make a tangible contribution to the implementation of the decisions adopted at the second Russia – Central Asia Summit in Dushanbe.
💬 Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims the following: “In every generation they rise against us to destroy us, in this generation as well. The regime in Iran planned a Holocaust. They plotted to annihilate us with nuclear bombs and thousands of ballistic missiles”. Earlier, he also said that, “had we not acted, the names Natanz, Fordow and Bushehr <…> would have joined the names of the death camps: Auschwitz, Majdanek and Sobibor”.
Was it Iran that carried out the first Holocaust? Let us recall that under Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, Iran declared war on Nazi Germany in 1943. Subsequent generations in Iran spoke openly and positively about that decision.
So who did perpetrate the Holocaust – the mass extermination of Jews, Roma and millions of other victims? It was Nazi Germany, fascist Italy, their lesser satellites, collaborators of the Vichy regime, as well as Baltic and Ukrainian accomplices.
Since 2014, Israel has not uttered a word of condemnation about the Kiev regime, which has elevated to the rank of national heroes those complicit in the extermination of Jews – figures such as Symon Petliura, Yaroslav Stetsko, who pledged allegiance on behalf of what he called an “independent Ukraine” in Lvov, a city soaked in Jewish blood, along with other Banderites and Galicians who served in the SS.
Who financed Hitler’s Nazi Party? The Bank of England – not to be confused with the Bank of Iran – was among its sponsors. The very same forces are now backing the Kiev regime, which has embraced Nazi ideology and kills people on ethnic and linguistic grounds, including those it nominally claims as its own citizens.
To invoke Auschwitz, Majdanek and Sobibor in the context of an alleged Iranian “nuclear Holocaust” against Israel is an insult to the memory of all victims of the Second World War, the victims of genocide, the victims of the Holocaust, and the Red Army soldiers who liberated the death camps.
Why? Because such comparisons are baseless, conceptually false and historically distortive.
Israel, of all countries, should know perfectly well that Bushehr is an exclusively civilian nuclear facility – a fact repeatedly confirmed by the IAEA.
I would also recall Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s remarks at a joint press conference with his Libyan counterpart on April 21:
“Our experience has taught us to rely on facts…
In his statements, President Trump has focused on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The 2015 comprehensive agreement (#JCOPOA) was designed precisely to address this issue.
It provided for Iran to refrain from any military nuclear activity and introduced the strictest controls over its civilian nuclear programme – far beyond the standard safeguards the IAEA applies to countries party to safeguard agreements.
History, as they say, ought to teach us something. It would be a major success if the ongoing efforts by the negotiators – which we support, meaning the Iranian and American negotiators – were to lead to something similar to the 2015 agreement”.
On 19 April, Frank Chester passed away at the age of 109.
He had served aboard a Royal Navy corvette on the Arctic convoys, running war supplies to the Soviet Union through the Barents Sea in conditions that Churchill described as the worst journey in the world. Storms, pack ice, enemy submarines and aircraft were there on every voyage.
In 2014, Russia awarded him the Medal of Ushakov, in recognition of the courage shown by the men who kept that lifeline open.
As we approach the 81st anniversary of Victory, the passing of Frank Chester is a reminder of how much we owe to those who sailed the Northern Route. They were young men from Shropshire and Worcestershire and dozens of other places, far from home, doing something extraordinary in the cold and dark for our common Victory.
Russia remembers them. We are grateful.
Rest in peace, Frank Chester.
🔴 #LIVE: Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov remarks at a reception on the occasion of Orthodox Easter
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🤝 On April 21, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with a delegation from the Government of National Unity of Libya, led by Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation El-Taher El-Baour and Minister of Transport Mohamed Al-Shahoubi.
During the meeting, the Parties held a substantive exchange of perspectives on the evolving situation within and around Libya.
The Russian delegation reiterated its steadfast position advocating for a holistic resolution of the Libyan crisis, grounded in the principles of upholding the unity, territorial integrity, and state sovereignty of Libya.
The necessity to resolve internal political challenges through an inclusive nationwide dialogue, with the United Nations playing a pivotal role, was underscored.
Significant focus was given to the progressive advancement of Russian-Libyan relations across various sectors.
Both Parties acknowledged the urgency of promptly resuming the activities of the Russian-Libyan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation, which is anticipated to serve as the principal coordinating mechanism for bilateral collaboration in the trade and economic domains.
The Ministers exchanged viewpoints on urgent international and regional issues. They recognised the alignment in the fundamental approaches of Russia and Libya concerning the resolution of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, based on universally accepted international legal frameworks. This includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. They emphasised the importance of attaining a lasting peace in the Gaza Strip and ensuring unobstructed humanitarian access to the Palestinian enclave.
Regarding the situation in the Persian Gulf area, the Russian side highlighted that the unprecedented surge in violence is a consequence of unprovoked aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran.
Sergey Lavrov reiterated the need to bridge existing differences through dialogue, considering the interests of all states in the region.
El-Taher El-Baour and Mohamed Al-Shahoubi received a detailed briefing on Russia’s approaches to resolving the conflict around Ukraine.
Additionally, discussions addressed practical aspects related to the upcoming preparations for the third #RussiaAfrica Summit in Moscow this year, as well as the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at the level of foreign policy agency heads.
#RussiaLibya
🗓 On April 21, Kazan hosted a meeting of senior officials of Russia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (#ASEAN) at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers.
The Russian delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko.
The event was held under the banner of the 35th anniversary of Russia-ASEAN relations, which is being marked in 2026.
The Sides held a detailed discussion on advancing the Russia-ASEAN strategic partnership in the political, economic and humanitarian spheres.
Concrete steps were outlined for the further development and diversification of practical cooperation, with an emphasis on launching new joint mechanisms and projects.
The Sides also reviewed progress in implementing the 2021-2025 Comprehensive Plan of Action #RussiaASEAN and preparations for a new medium-term programme document.
The exchange of views on international and regional issues confirmed the commitment of Russia and ASEAN to strengthening the security architecture in Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific on the basis of openness, equality and respect for international law.
The Sides also reaffirmed their readiness to expand cooperation in multilateral formats and to promote closer practical ties between #ASEAN, the #EAEU and the #SCO.
#RussiaASEAN
🇷🇺 The State Protocol Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry:
From April 16 to 19, at the invitation of Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, the Region received a delegation of heads of foreign diplomatic missions on a working visit.
Organised with the assistance of the State Protocol Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the visit brought together ambassadors and senior diplomats from Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
On April 17, the distinguished foreign guests were received by Rustam Minnikhanov at the Kazan Kremlin. The Head of Tatarstan noted that international cooperation remains an important factor in ensuring sustainable development.
Rustam Minnikhanov underscored the Region’s openness to foreign investment and the expansion of external economic ties, including in such priority sectors for Tatarstan as mechanical engineering, oil refining, petrochemicals, IT, agriculture and others.
The Sides discussed prospects for deepening Tatarstan’s cooperation with China and #ASEAN countries in tourism, humanitarian affairs, culture and education.
As part of the visit’s substantial business programme, the delegation took part in a round table at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tatarstan with business representatives, and held meetings at the Investment Development Agency, Innopolis and Tatarstan's IT Park.
The diplomats also visited the eastern part of the Republic, where they learned about the operations of the KAMAZ automobile plant in Naberezhnye Chelny and the Alabuga Special Economic Zone, whose multi-level technical personnel training system made a particular impression on the guests.
In addition, the ambassadors held an informal meeting with the leadership and students of Kazan Federal University – one of the oldest universities in Russia – where a significant number of international students study, including from the Asia-Pacific Region.
Prospects for humanitarian, cultural and sports exchanges were also discussed during visits to the new building of the Galiaskar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre and Ak Bars Arena stadium.
Following the business trip, the heads of foreign diplomatic missions highlighted Tatarstan's innovative development model, its active external economic engagement and the broad opportunities for further cooperation, while also expressing gratitude for the warm welcome.
🤝 The visit confirmed the steady interest of Southeast Asian countries and China in Tatarstan – Russia's Region with strong economic and educational potential, capable of serving as an effective platform for developing practical international cooperation.
🗓 On April 21, 1954, the USSR officially joined #UNESCO.
✍️ On that day, acting on behalf of the Soviet Government, the USSR Ambassador to London, Yakov Malik, signed the UNESCO Constitution, marking the country’s accession to the Organization.
It was the Soviet Union that became a key driving force within UNESCO in combating colonialism and racism, as well as in addressing their consequences. Moscow stood at the origins of many programs and bodies, such as the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission.
For more than seven decades, our country consistently demonstrated the commitment to its ideals and principles.
🇷🇺 Today, Russia continues to uphold the values and priorities of the Organization as a genuinely universal multilateral platform. Our country is working to promote a unifying agenda within UNESCO in the interests of the Global Majority, and to strengthen respectful, depoliticized, and professional dialogue with all interested partners.
Thanks to our country’s active role in UNESCO, major programs that remain relevant to this day have been introduced. These include the International Programme for the Development of Communication and the “Man and the Biosphere” Programme. At Russia’s proposal, the UNESCO General Conference established the International Basic Sciences Programme in 2003.
At the initiative of the Russian Federation, the Mendeleev International Prize for achievements in the basic sciences — the largest prize currently awarded under UNESCO auspices — was created.
💬 From remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov, at the opening of an exhibition marking the 70th anniversary of the USSR’s accession to UNESCO (Moscow, April 22, 2024):
“For seven decades, our country has demonstrated in practice its commitment to the ideals and principles of UNESCO.
The provisions of the Constitution on striving to ‘build peace through cooperation among nations in education, science and culture’ and on the ‘moral and intellectual solidarity of mankind’ are not mere words on paper — for us, they carry enduring value and significance.”
Russia's Ministry of Transport:
🇷🇺🇰🇵 On April 21, a ceremony was held at the border between Russia and the DPRK to mark the joining of the bridge spans of the future road bridge over the Tumannaya River, which will connect the two countries.
Taking part in the event via video link were Russia's Minister of Transport Andrey Nikitin, Russia's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, co-chairman of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Russia and the DPRK Alexander Kozlov; and Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s First Asian Department Ivan Zhelokhovtsev.
The agreement on the implementation of this project was signed in 2024 in the presence of President of Russia Vladimir Putin and Chairman of State Affairs of the DPRK Kim Jong-un. Construction was launched on April 30, 2025, by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the DPRK Pak Thae-song.
💬 Andrey Nikitin expressed gratitude to everyone involved in the bridge’s construction – engineers, technicians, workers and specialists, stressing that the launch of the bridge would have strategic significance for the economy and social sphere of both countries:
“This will create the first direct road link between Russia and the DPRK. At present, there is only a railway route – via the Friendship Bridge over the Tumannaya River.
The opening of the new road bridge will make it possible to increase bilateral trade, optimize logistics, strengthen cultural ties and turn the border areas into dynamically developing economic hubs connected by a modern corridor.
This crossing is one of the central projects in our cooperation. In less than a year, the key stages of construction have been completed – the erection of piers, reinforcement works and the launching of the bridge spans. This became possible thanks to the professionalism of a united team of specialists who turned a strategic project into reality”.
#Announcement
🇷🇺🇸🇨 On April 22, President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin will hold talks in Moscow with President of the Republic of Seychelles Dr. Patrick Herminie, who has arrived in Russia on a working visit.
The Sides are expected to discuss current issues related to the further development of bilateral cooperation in the political, trade, economic and humanitarian spheres, as well as regional and international issues.
#RussiaSeychelles
Russia's EMERCOM:
🇷🇺🇱🇧 On April 21, a special Il-76 flight operated by Russia’s EMERCOM delivered humanitarian aid to the people of Lebanon affected by the military conflict.
27 tonnes of relief supplies, including mobile power stations, food, tents, blankets, mattresses and pillows, was delivered to Beirut on the instructions of President of Russia Vladimir Putin and EMERCOM Head Alexander Kurenkov.
The humanitarian cargo was transferred to authorised representatives of the Lebanese Government.
#RussiaLebanon #RussiaHelps
🔴 #LIVE: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Government of National Unity of Libya Taher al-Baour commence talks in Moscow
🔴 Ruptly
🔴 Russia’s MFA website
🎙 Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statement at a meeting of the Council of the #CSTO Parliamentary Assembly (Moscow, April 20, 2026)
💬 On January 1, 2026, Russia assumed the chairmanship of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. Our tenure proceeds under the motto, Collective Security in a Multipolar World: Common Goal, Shared Responsibility.
In collaboration with our allies within the CSTO, we are intensifying efforts to uphold shared approaches to resolving international security issues. Much has already been articulated on this subject today. The foundational documents of the Organisation – and I wish to underscore this with particular emphasis – enshrine the principles of peaceful coexistence among states, the primacy of political and diplomatic methods of resolution, and adherence to the norms of international law, with the United Nations playing a central role.
I consider it of fundamental importance that, in the current period, as the West resorts more frequently and extensively to illegitimate use of force, neocolonial methods of diktat, and outright plunder, the CSTO countries are neither altering nor revising the aforementioned goals of their activities. We will not deviate from the universal norms of international law. On the contrary, we will counter attempts to undermine them and oppose efforts to impose lawlessness in global affairs, whilst upholding the universal norms of international law, above all the sovereign equality of states, as enshrined in the UN Charter. <...>
The Collective Security Treaty Organisation has established itself as an authoritative association of allied states whose activities are not directed against anyone, contain no aggressive aspirations, and are built exclusively in the interests of maintaining regional stability and the well-being of its member countries. <...>
Russia maintains continuity in advancing the principal vectors of our collaboration within the CSTO. We continue our work to implement the initiatives of the preceding chairmanship – that of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Our goal is to preserve the truth concerning our common struggle to liberate the world from Nazism and to perpetuate the heroic feat of the Soviet people, who defended the independence of their native land and liberated Europe and the world from the brown plague. <...>
We are continuing our course towards expanding our Organisation’s contacts with the Eurasian countries. Security in this geopolitical area and close interaction with integration associations within our shared space matters a lot to us.
Anyone who has been closely following recent developments is aware that threats in Eurasia are significantly up which requires us to make additional efforts. <...>
We must work with our closest neighbours and partners from the #CIS and the #SCO. The SCO has a substantial programme aimed at strengthening stability and security. Recently, the secretaries-general of the CSTO, the CIS, and the SCO approved a roadmap that provides for, among other things, holding joint conferences on security issues in Central Asia and Afghanistan in Moscow. <...>
We attach great importance to strengthening the Organisation’s military component. The programme of our chairmanship which was presented by President Putin places emphasis on increasing the combat potential of the CSTO’s collective forces and equipping them with modern and interoperable weapons and military equipment. <...>
We will pay special attention to the Organisation’s peacekeeping forces, including refining the regulatory framework governing CSTO participation in UN peacekeeping operations. <...>
We are likewise focusing on strengthening cooperation in international information security.
We intend to expand the toolset for jointly countering international terrorism and extremism, combatting terrorism financing, money laundering, drug trafficking, transnational organised crime, and illegal migration.
Read in full
#Victory81
🥇 On April 20, 1942, the Red Army emerged victorious in the Battle of Moscow – one of the most pivotal battles of the Great Patriotic War, in which Soviet troops inflicted Nazi Germany’s first major strategic defeat.
This gruelling and fierce battle lasted for 2️⃣0️⃣3️⃣ days and unfolded in three key stages: the Moscow Strategic Defensive Operation (September 30 – December 5, 1941), the Red Army’s counteroffensive (December 5, 1941 – January 7, 1942), and the general Soviet advance during the Rzhev-Vyazma Offensive Operation (January 7 – April 20, 1942).
***
Following its treacherous invasion of the Soviet Union, Hitler deployed vast forces in order to push towards Mosco during Operation Typhoon. For the assault on the Soviet capital, the German command concentrated 64 divisions, including 16 tank and 6 motorised divisions, with a total strength of up to 1.8 million men.
By early December 1941, in some sectors of the front, only a few dozen kilometres separated the enemy from Moscow. The Nazis intended to force a quick breakthrough, seize the city, and strike the USSR a fatal political and moral blow.
But the enemy’s plans were foiled. Through the colossal mobilization of forces and the mass heroism of soldiers and officers, militia fighters, partisans, and civilians in the rear, the Soviet command thwarted the enemy offensive and exhausted the Wehrmacht’s assault groupings.
💬 This is how Marshal of Victory Georgy Zhukov explained the reasons for the failure of the German offensive in a 1966 interview with Konstantin Simonov:
Through effective intelligence, the Soviet High Command was able to determine in good time where the enemy’s main blow was being prepared in the south and where it would come in the north.
Once it became clear that the most dangerous sector was the Volokolamsk, Istra and Klin directions – that is, the sector of the 16th Army – the Soviet command prepared a deep defensive line there, particularly in terms of artillery and anti-tank defence.
When the battle began, the Germans were bled white without achieving their objectives. That was where the German generals miscalculated.
They overestimated their own strength, assuming they would be able to carry out this operation just as easily as they had elsewhere.easily as they had elsewhere. But their calculation proved false. The German army simply did not have the strength to break resistance on the most crucial sector.
#Announcement
🎙 On Friday, April 24, Russia’s Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova will hold her weekly briefing on current foreign policy issues. The off-site briefing will be held in a hybrid format in Izhevsk, Udmurt Republic.
🕚 11.00 am MSK
🕗 8.00 am GMT
🕘 9.00 am CET
🕓 4.00 pm CST
For accreditation inquiries, please contact the MFA Press Centre. Accredited journalists will receive details on the technical aspects of submitting questions.
The Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman will answer media questions received by the call centre.
❗️ Accreditation is open until April 14, 12:00 pm MSK
#KievRegimeCrimes
⚡️ Ambassador-at-Large of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Rodion Miroshnik:
PHOTO FACTS & EVIDENCE of crimes committed by Ukrainian armed forces over the week of April 13 – 19, 2026:
▪️April 13 – a UAV strike targeted an ambulance in the Belovsky district of the Kursk Region. Two staff members of the Belovsky Central District Hospital were injured.
▪️April 13 – a fixed-wing UAV struck a private home in Pervomaisk, the LPR.
▪️April 15 – an FPV drone struck a civilian passenger car in Malomikhaylovka, Belgorod Region. Three civilians were injured.
▪️April 15 – a UAV strike targeted civilian freight transport in Shebekino, Belgorod Region.
▪️April 16 – a UAV struck a grocery store in Velikaya Lepetikha, Kherson Region.
▪️April 16 – residential neighbourhoods in Tuapse, Krasnodar Territory, came under a massive UAV raid. Two people were killed and five others injured.
▪️April 16 – an FPV drone struck an administrative building in Shebekino, Belgorod Region. Three female employees were injured.
▪️April 17 – a UAV struck a passenger bus in Nikolskoye, Belgorod Region.
▪️April 17 – a UAV struck a grocery store in Shebekino, Belgorod Region. A woman was injured.